Topic: Sony's new $600 recorder PCM-D50

[Brian Skalinder]

So is there a mic preamp with phantom power and an optical out? I supposte that's what the v3 w/optimod is. Anything else out there?

Just for clarity's sake, there's no such thing as an analog mic preamp with a digital output.  The presence of a digital output on an analog preamp, by definition, means it's a preamp and analog-to-digital converter (ADC).  Might seem like a petty distinction, but I'd hate to see a newbie read some of the posts on TS and buy a preamp (without ADC) and expect it to provide a digital output.

[mrsoul]

Regarding the CKL-PCMD50 case, I found a couple of pictures, mainly on Japanese sites.  Full compass is offering it as special order for about $50.  Looks like a Palm cover on roids to me.   

Edit: Personally, I like the Zing bag mentioned here already.  Once we know that fits, I hope to get one asap.  The Crown Royal bag is working for now.

2nd Edit:  Here's the CKL-PCMD50 case on Ebay

[kskreider]

Someone needs to hook this puppy up to a optimod V3 and see if it takes 24/96 over that optical connection.  I have an optimod.  I wonder if I can find one of these D50's locally to test out.

[Brian Skalinder]

I think he meant is there any other external preamp/AD combo options out there besides the V3...
The only other one I can think of is the Edirol UA-5 which people have been using optical into JB3's for a long time with much success.

Already noted:

Grace Design V3
Edirol UA-5

Others:

Apogee AD-1000
Apogee MiniMe
CoreSound Mic2496
Denecke PS-2 + Denecke Inbox (AD-20)
Graham Patten DMIC-20 and DMIC-24

I'm sure there are more...

[motobill]

So is there a mic preamp with phantom power and an optical out? I supposte that's what the v3 w/optimod is. Anything else out there?

Just for clarity's sake, there's no such thing as an analog mic preamp with a digital output.  The presence of a digital output on an analog preamp, by definition, means it's a preamp and analog-to-digital converter (ADC).  Might seem like a petty distinction, but I'd hate to see a newbie read some of the posts on TS and buy a preamp (without ADC) and expect it to provide a digital output.

Duly noted.

[motobill]

I think he meant is there any other external preamp/AD combo options out there besides the V3...
The only other one I can think of is the Edirol UA-5 which people have been using optical into JB3's for a long time with much success.

Already noted:

Grace Design V3
Edirol UA-5

Others:

Apogee AD-1000
Apogee MiniMe
CoreSound Mic2496
Denecke PS-2 + Denecke Inbox (AD-20)
Graham Patten DMIC-20 and DMIC-24

I'm sure there are more...

MiniMe...optical out...you sure?

[udo]

Regarding the CKL-PCMD50 case, I found a couple of pictures, mainly on Japanese sites.  Full compass is offering it as special order for about $50.  Looks like a Palm cover on roids to me.   

Edit: Personally, I like the Zing bag mentioned here already.  Once we know that fits, I hope to get one asap.  The Crown Royal bag is working for now.

2nd Edit:  Here's the CKL-PCMD50 case on Ebay

It will arrive today, I will let you know, whether it fits.

[mrsoul]

Regarding the CKL-PCMD50 case, I found a couple of pictures, mainly on Japanese sites.  Full compass is offering it as special order for about $50.  Looks like a Palm cover on roids to me.   

Edit: Personally, I like the Zing bag mentioned here already.  Once we know that fits, I hope to get one asap.  The Crown Royal bag is working for now.

2nd Edit:  Here's the CKL-PCMD50 case on Ebay

It will arrive today, I will let you know, whether it fits.

If at all possible, can you post a picture of the D50 in the Zing bag? (if it fits that is).  Thanks, MS

[WiFiJeff]

A friend of mine got his D50 yesterday and is having a problem gettting it to see digi-in at anything other than 16 bit 44.1 or 48k, using a pro studio A/D machine.  Has anyone gotten it to take digi-in at 24/96, and are there any tricks to that?

Jeff

This concerns me.  I was going to opt for this recorder because of digi-in and 24/96, but if I can't get 24/96, I might as well opt for a used JB3 in the Yard.

Can any other owners chime in?

The manual on page 28 states that linear PCM 44.1/44.0/96 kHz digital signals can be accepted for digital recording.  I don't have any thing that will give out that signal to test.  Is that pro studio sending out linear PCM signal?

Yes, he's sending a very low jitter pcm signal from $$$$ gear, with a "consumer" setting.  I want to try other gear (like my mic2496) but don't have my D50 yet.  (If I recall correctly, the old Sony M1/D100 DAT took digital in, but would only record 48/16 from the mic2496, not 44.1/16).  Just looking to see if anyone has actually successfully used a 24/96 digital input with the D50, as opposed to simply claims made in the manual.

Jeff

[mrsoul]

This concerns me.  I was going to opt for this recorder because of digi-in and 24/96, but if I can't get 24/96, I might as well opt for a used JB3 in the Yard.
Can any other owners chime in?

Just looking to see if anyone has actually successfully used a 24/96 digital input with the D50, as opposed to simply claims made in the manual.
Jeff

Gotcha, no problem.  I was just looking it up for my own info and posted it.  The only optical out I have is from a DVD player and I don't think it will output that depth/rate.  Since I only have an analog preamp, it's not a concern for me at this time on my low end of the chain 

[Gutbucket]

Gotcha, no problem.  I was just looking it up for my own info and posted it.  The only optical out I have is from a DVD player and I don't think it will output that depth/rate.  Since I only have an analog preamp, it's not a concern for me at this time on my low end of the chain 

Just an idea..

If you have or can borrow an R-09 you could patch from it's optical line out into the Sony to test it.

You'd need to play a 24bit file or at least have the R-09 in rec/pause with the appropriate recording bit rate setting and monitor setting in the menu switched ON.  The R-09 will feed a 24/44.1 or 24/48 optical signal out.  No 96khz though.

[Jppiano]

Hi, All

I am WifiJeff's friend who has been having problems with the Dig input - I tried it with a very high end A/D, and it would not lock at 96/24. I have a call to the SONY Pro Division - will report on what they say....

Joe P.

[SClassical]

Even if you don't have an AD converter you can test it out in a simple way. If your PC/Mac have an optical out just set your D-50 to 24/96 and record something. Then transfer the file to your computer. Play it back as 24/96 from your computer. Try and record the playback via an optical cable (from PC/Mac to D-50).

I'm still waiting for my D-50 to arrive so i cannot test anything yet.

[udo]

If at all possible, can you post a picture of the D50 in the Zing bag? (if it fits that is).  Thanks, MS

[/quote]

it fits, but a bit loose. but its perfect for the bit of extra protection in my computer bag that I wanted.

[mrsoul]

Thanks Udo!  T+ given earlier today! 
I wonder if the medium Zingo bag would fit?  That's the large right?